Post #21
In a previous blog, I’ve mentioned the joy I receive when I’m close to nature. I love mountains, waterfalls, beaches, tall pines, birds in flight, the rustling of leaves and a soft breeze on my face . . . well, you get the idea. I know I’m not the only one who has an erotic love affair with our natural world, and with good reason. Studies show that Nature is a healing place. Being outside in the sun gives us vitamin D and techniques such as “forest bathing” are being recognized as viable therapy. (https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/)
“Forest bathing” is not what it sounds like—you get to keep all of your clothes on and there’s usually no water involved (a plus for people with dementia who have a fear of water and taking off their clothes). Very simply, you go into the forest to soak up the calming sensory experiences of nature. The emphasis is not on hiking, but on being still, a type of meditation that focuses on the reality of the physical world. To experience nature completely a person might touch the rough bark of a tree, run their hand through the dirt, as well as listen to the gentle sounds of wind and birdsongs. . .
I wish I had known about this therapy when my mom was alive, but we did enjoy something similarly therapeutic as we sat together on the deck outside of my home and tossed a soft frisbee while watching the birds. Sometimes there were rabbits, tortoises or other small creatures that made us smile as they traveled through the yard. The following year we sat out on the patio of her senior care unit and enjoyed the flowers and the Texas sun (when it wasn’t too hot). There was something extremely satisfying about being outside. Inside we always needed to be doing an activity—even if it was just watching TV—but outside we could just soak up the natural world, even if there were only a few remnants of nature in the midst of man-made buildings.
Throughout my life I’ve found walking or sitting near trees or by some form of water very calming, but I hadn’t really considered the benefit it could do for those I was caring for until Mom lived with me. And it’s not only the elderly who could benefit from nature. I can see that it would be beneficial for those with anxiety or those who have relocated, such as refugees, especially if they were used to a more rural setting and find city life exasperatingly busy.Truthfully, I can't imagine any person who wouldn't benefit from being closer to nature, but it may require trying different experiences to find the one that resonates with your care receiver.
Of course not every caregiving situation holds the possibility of taking the care receiver outdoors. Perhaps the person is bedridden or a danger to themselves or others. In these cases you will need to use your creativity to bring nature into their room and to create calming activities that direct their attention to soaking up this small part of the natural world.
Flowers and houseplants are easily available, but also consider introducing other experiences, such as an indoor fountain with small plants and running water, or pinecones, seashells, small animals. . . I know these ideas are not new, but I’m suggesting that you emphasize the sensual experience beyond sight —hearing, smelling, touching, tasting (when appropriate). I’m also suggesting that you not rush the experience. Give ample time for the person to hold or pet or watch the natural phenomena. Create a peaceful atmosphere so they can soak it in.
You might also consider hanging large posters or paintings of the natural world, and watching some of the interesting nature documentaries that are available. (Be sure to watch them yourself first if the care receiver is easily upset—sometimes these shows remind us clearly that nature can be brutal.) Of course, there are also many available recordings with nature sounds that create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.
Another option for utilizing nature in your caregiving is to encourage drawing, painting, molding . . . using something natural as a model or as part of the creation (such as a holly wreath at Christmas, or a collage of natural items that the person enjoys). If you are working with children, this will help them grow to accept nature as a part of our world; if you are working with the elderly or someone who has experienced trauma, this may bring back memories of their former enjoyment of its beauty. Add to the crafts, discussion and, in the appropriate settings, writing, and you will find people opening up to the natural world around them. This could be especially helpful if the person(s) you care for are confined to a small inside area most of the time.
Beyond bathing in nature, we can also participate in its growth. Community gardening has been popular in many places, and raised beds have become very useful for those who have difficulty bending. Apartment dwellers are finding a variety ways of planting indoor and patio gardening. In the past, I’ve found digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and harvesting therapeutic, but now that I operate with very low energy, I’m researching hydroponic gardening. I’m especially considering the possibilities of using the vegetables already available in my fridge. Here’s one of my favorite YouTube videos that demonstrates how to grow lettuce in water, which I believe almost anyone would find simple to execute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9mRHPGSHmM
Clearly, there are good reasons for all of us to spend more time outside. But if you are caregiving where this is not possible, there are a variety of ways that you can benefit the care receiver(s) by bringing nature indoors where they can experience a little of its beauty. If someone can’t bathe in the forest’s awesomeness, they can at least wade into its wonder.
Comments